Watkins Maintains the Advantage - Yet Calvert-Lewin May Still Secure the International Squad

Only one goal in his first ten English top division outings this campaign had plenty of wondering whether Dominic Calvert-Lewin's peak were behind him.

Yet, a only four weeks on, he is the most discussed striker in England following netting 7 goals in six straight games.

His latest finish, in a tie versus Sunderland, elevated his tally to eight, establishing him as the highest English scorer in the Premier League so far this season.

An Impressive Revival

The 28-year-old joined Leeds United on a Bosman move in the summer, after a nine-year spell with Everton that was hampered by setbacks in its latter stages.

However, the data underpinning his revival in Daniel Farke's new counter-attacking 3-5-2 setup are genuinely remarkable.

His six-match scoring run places him in exclusive company as only the 11th English player to score in six or more successive Premier League fixtures.

To put that into perspective, even England captain Harry Kane was unable to produce a run lasting this many games - his longest stands at two distinct five-match streaks.

And the sole English striker to outdo Calvert-Lewin in recent memory is Jamie Vardy, who went on an eight-game scoring spree for Leicester City in 2019.

The Secret to the Purple Patch?

What is behind Calvert-Lewin so difficult to stop in recent weeks? A latest opponent's manager explained it perfectly.

"He has the perfect timing," the manager remarked. "He's intelligent and a really good striker and he found the timing to arrive exactly when needed."

That nose for goal and positional sense inside the 18-yard box was what turned him into a popular figure at his previous club.

Experts highlight the system adjustment to a 3-5-2 as a key factor, enabling more players to get into the box and occupy defenders, thus given the striker additional space.

"He is a classic centre-forward," observed a former professional. "For the goal... it was a lovely little finish beyond the keeper, a textbook centre-forward's goal."

"I've been through a lot since then. Lots of ups and lots of downs. A test of character and I've persevered and kept going... I've backed myself and this is the result."

His manager has expressed no surprise at this rich vein of form, stating again that the player is "among the elite strikers" in the competition.

The England Dilemma

Calvert-Lewin's scoring run has predictably ignited talks of an England call-up.

The ex- Sheffield United player has 11 England caps, with four goals, but has not represented the national team since the most recent European Championship.

Observers feel the striker will be in the mix for the World Cup squad if he can sustain this level.

"He looks as in shape as he has in a while," one said. "If he sustains this level of form... then he's going to be in a conversation for a World Cup place."

Intense Rivalry

Yet, competition for places behind Harry Kane is fierce.

Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa, following a decisive two goals against Chelsea, is currently seen as in front in the hierarchy, according to some opinion.

"If you compare the two players, Watkins holds the edge in terms of using his pace to stretch teams," it was stated.

"He also holds the edge when it comes to making a meaningful impact at a big competition."

Finally, whether Calvert-Lewin makes it to the squad may depend on how many out-and-out strikers the national team coach decides to select.

"I think it might depend on whether he includes two or three centre-forwards," an pundit added. "If it is three, he absolutely has a chance."